Paying homage to a rich heritage of authentic Mexican cuisine, Javier Sosa serves up traditional dishes using family recipes passed down for generations.

While lunchtime favorites such as carnitas ($22), enchiladas poblanas ($20) and carne asada ($45) remain true to their humble Orange County roots, the 9,000-square-foot restaurant offers a dramatic flair. The space, designed by Dodd Mitchell, has a Moorish feel, with amber lighting, white stucco walls and a dominating carved bar adorned with beads.

As if this weren’t enough to impress guests, Javier’s is also home to the world’s largest piece of chain saw art. Weighing 3,000 pounds, spanning 25 feet and carved by J. Chester Armstrong, the mammoth piece depicts the legend of Mayan creation and Mexican history. Using hundreds of carved Día de los Muertos skeletons, the artwork tells a five-part story from the Tree of Death to the redemption in the Tree of Life.

Javier’s mixes Moorish opulence with Mexican tradition, and the dinner menu is a perfect blend of the two elements. A true seafood-lover’s paradise, the menu includes seafood enchiladas ($27), Cabo Azul (a Maine lobster in pasilla sauce, $30) and Fideo del Mar (linguine pasta with Dungeness crab, Mexican white shrimp and wild scallops, $30). To top off the experience, a hand-shaken Javier’s margarita ($12) is a must.

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